Tongluo Kiln

Founded in 1967, Tongluo Kiln is an old kiln factory with a three-generation legacy: Chang Hsin-Hsiang, Chang Shih-Hao, and Chang Wei-Han. With over 50 years of history, it is Taiwan's only remaining traditional hand-extrusion kiln specializing in large jars and vats. Tongluo Kiln is located on the road from Zhusen Village, Tongluo Township, towards Tongxiao. Its ancient roof tiles bear witness to the rise and fall of Miaoli's pottery industry. The late founder, Mr. Chang Hsin-Hsiang, apprenticed under Fuzhou master Li Yi-Wu at the age of seventeen, learning hand-extrusion molding techniques. In 1967 (the 56th year of the Republic of China), he independently established "Tongluo Pottery Factory," producing flower pots, pickling jars, soy sauce vats, and more. Tongluo Kiln is currently managed by the second-generation owners, Mr. Chang Shih-Hao and his wife Peng Hsiu-Mei, with the craft now being passed to the third generation. The third-generation owners, Mr. Chang Wei-Han and his wife Lin Ying-Jui, have also recently begun to gradually follow the path of inheritance. Tongluo Kiln specializes in traditional Fuzhou-style pottery techniques, with their hand-extrusion craftsmanship considered first-rate. They are particularly skilled in making extra-large jars and vats, employing meticulous techniques and steps, which is why Tongluo Kiln's large wine vats are renowned far and wide. Furthermore, their hand-extrusion technique has been used to create countless pottery jars and sauce vats for the Hakka community in Tongluo, Miaoli. Currently, the third-generation owner, Chang Wei-Han, has mastered and is inheriting this traditional skill, hoping to inject a new generation into the traditional pottery industry and continue the lifeline of the Hakka village's pottery culture industry. Tongluo Kiln offers a diverse range of products, from small wine vats (20 catties) to large wine storage vats (800 catties), various sizes of water tanks for pickling sauerkraut and soy sauce, tea caddies for storing tea leaves, wood-fired tea bowls, teacups, tea sets, large landscape pottery, and artistic ceramic creations. At the same time, they actively innovate, research glaze variations, prioritize practicality in daily life, and strive for diversified operations. In the future, they plan to add exhibition and sales areas, exhibition zones, and a story museum to enhance the value of this historic kiln.